Immigration

April 2010

To Our Friends and Clients:

On January 29, 2010, Mexico’s Immigration Institute (“INM”), by means of the Ministry of Interior Affairs published The New Manual of Criteria and Immigration Procedures (“MCIP”), which became effective throughout Mexico as of April 30, 2010. The main purposes for the administrative modifications contained in the MCIP are to reduce unnecessary requirements, modernize immigration applications, and simplify most of the existing procedures.

In connection with the above, the following are the most relevant modifications:

The FM3 visa will be replaced with the Immigration Form for Non Immigrants (Forma Migratoria de No Inmigrante).*

Please note that the current FM3 will be valid until their expiration date, once the document has been submitted to the INM for its annual renovation, extension of activities, or any other modification, the visa holder will have to appear before the INM to obtain the new Non Immigrant Form.

Foreigners holding an FM3 visa that have obtained the maximum of extensions permitted must exit and reenter the country in order to obtain a new authorization, except to request another immigration status.

FM2 visa will be replaced with the Immigration Form for Immigrants (Forma Migratoria de Inmigrante).*

Please note that the current FM2 will be valid until their expiration date, once the document has been submitted to the INM for its renovation, change of activities, or change of employer, the visa holder will have to appear before the INM to obtain the new Immigrant Form.

FM2 visa for Immigrates will be replaced with Immigration Form for Residents (Forma Migratoria para Inmigrado).*

* These smart cards will contain the picture, finger print and signature of the foreigner and will be annually renewable.

It is important to keep in mind that the implementation of these new provisions will depend on the infrastructure the INM has to issue the new picture reading cards.

Mexican embassies and consulates will no longer issue FM3 or FM2 visas; they will only grant pre-authorizations to enter the country. The applicant will then need to enter Mexico within 365 days and obtain the corresponding Immigration Form within 30 days of internment, by visiting a local office of the INM.

The FMN (180 day visa for business purposes) as well the FMT (180 day visa for tourist purposes), will be replaced with the Multiple Immigration Form (Forma Migratoria Multiple).

It is now an absolute obligation of Mexican companies to inform the INM of any foreigner working for them. This used to be obligation of both, foreigner and companies.

Be aware that Mexican immigration applications filed before April 30th, 2010 will continue to be analyzed and processed according to former policies and procedures.